JAPONES CHILES, DE-STEMMED-ETO (C06K)

Despite originating in Mexico, Japones Chiles are extremely popular in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. In fact, "japones" is the Spanish word for "Japanese." Japones chiles are favored for their simplistic flavor profile. Rather than complexity, they add a heat which combines well with a wide variety of flavors. Japones chiles are an important flavoring in Szechuan and Hunan cuisines. A member of the capsicum family, Japones chiles probably originated in South America or Mexico and were introduced to Asian cultures through Spanish and Portuguese traders in the 15th century. They are closely related to piri piri, malagueta, Thai, and tabasco peppers. Hot peppers have been used as a food flavoring and medicinally for thousands of years.